We can help you connect with NDIS occupational therapists (OTs)
Occupational therapy (OT) helps autistic people develop new skills for everyday life and can work with you to improve your communication, mobility and relationships.
Occupational therapists can also make sure that any written reports, supporting letters and functional assessments are completed in line with NDIS guidelines.
Our friendly connections team will connect you with occupational therapists in your local area who can create programs that are tailored to your needs.
Is Occupational Therapy covered by the NDIS?
Occupational therapy can be funded by the NDIS. You can access occupational therapy if you have the funding category ‘Improved Daily Living’ under the ‘Capacity Building’ budget in your plan.
MyCareSpace can help find you trusted providers that offer occupational therapy in your area.
How occupational therapy can help autistic people
Having a sense of independence, choice and control over how we live is a big part of having a meaningful life.
Occupational therapy can help autistic people of all ages to build on their skills and work through any barriers they might be facing.
An occupational therapist can support you with:
- Introducing you to tools and resources that can assist with emotional regulation and support positive behaviour
- Supporting you to develop the skills necessary to gain or maintain meaningful relationships
- Creating therapy programs dedicated to improving your fine motor skills
- Improving skills with things like dressing, eating and handwriting
- Completing necessary documentation, like support letters or functional assessments
- Teaching you sensory processing skills specifically related to autism
- Working with you to implement strategies to improve your daily living skills
- Supporting you to develop cognitive skills that are necessary for school and work
To learn more about autism, the NDIS and the supports available, visit our Autism Hub.
If behaviours of concern are affecting safety, relationships or everyday life, specialist Behaviour Support may also help. Read our NDIS Behaviour Support: A Complete 2026 Guide to learn how it works and how it is funded.
How occupational therapy works
Here are examples of the types of services an occupational therapist (OT for short) can provide in the NDIS:
- Fine motor skills
Improved fine motor skills to increase independence in day-to-day life.
- Decision making
Develop the skills required to have more choice and control in your life.
- Relationship skills
Improved social and communication skills necessary to build and maintain relationships.
- Sensory processing
Gain tools and strategies needed for processing sensory triggers.
- Self-regulation
Learn strategies to support you with emotional regulation.
- Parent and carer training
Skill development for family members, friends and caregivers improving the quality of informal support.
- Specialised driver training
Specialist driver-trained occupational therapists can help you develop the necessary skills to get a drivers licence.
- Provide Assessments
NDIS reports, Functional Capacity Assessments and supporting letters can all be completed by your occupational therapist.
How much does occupational therapy cost?
Occupational Therapy may be funded by the NDIS when it relates to your disability support needs, helps you work towards your goals and meets NDIS funding criteria.
Under the 2026-27 NDIS Pricing Schedule, the maximum hourly rate for occupational therapy is $193.99 in metropolitan and most regional areas of Australia and $257.59 in remote areas.
What other fees can a therapist charge?
Depending on your provider and service agreement, additional charges may apply for eligible travel, assessments, reports, non-face-to-face work and short-notice cancellations.
If you choose mobile occupational therapy or home visits, ask the provider whether travel time or other travel costs will be charged to your NDIS plan.
You can check current occupational therapy rates using the MyCareSpace NDIS Price Search Tool.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
There are many reasons why NDIS participants receive funding for occupational therapy.
Here are some examples of the benefits therapy delivers:
- Increased independence
- Increased opportunity to make meaningful relationships with those around you
- Improved skills to explore dating and friendships
- Improved fine motor ability
- Improved mental health
- Increased confidence
- Better focus in school or in the workplace
- New communication skills
- Increased physical strength
How MyCareSpace works
We’re both an online platform and a helpful team of people in your corner. Rely on us to find top quality providers based on what’s important to you.
Other NDIS Support for Autistic People
Occupational therapy is often one part of a wider support team. Depending on your needs, you may also benefit from:
- Speech therapy for communication, language and social skills. Find an NDIS speech therapist
- Behaviour Support for understanding behaviours of concern and building consistent strategies with family and support workers. Read the NDIS Behaviour Support guide
- Psychology for emotional wellbeing, coping skills and social confidence. Psychology vs Behaviour Support: what’s the difference?
- A Plan Manager with Autism experience for paying providers, tracking your budget and keeping on top of invoices, so families can spend less time on admin and more time on what matters. Get help finding a plan manager
Not sure which supports are right for you? The MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you work out your options and find providers with availability.
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"I was so tired of finding waiting lists wherever I went. MyCareSpace had me booked into an OT and Physio in days."
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MyCareSpace connects you with our specialist Connections Team, experienced NDIS experts who understand the system, the pathways, and the real challenges participants and families face.
Our Connections Team has access to a large, Australia wide database of verified NDIS providers. They know how the system works and how to match people with the right supports, in the right location, with availability. By managing the search and connections for you, we remove unnecessary stress and help you move forward with confidence and focus on achieving your goals.
Related Occupational Therapy Resources
Explore More on Occupational Therapy
How to find Occupational Therapy (OT) in the NDIS
If you or someone you care for is living with disability, you may have heard about Occupational Therapy (OT) as part of NDIS supports.
But what exactly is Occupational Therapy, what does it help with, and how do you make sure you have the right funding in your NDIS plan?
How to Achieve my NDIS Goals While Waiting for OT
With an increase in demand for Occupational Therapy, you may find yourself waiting months for your assessment and therapy. You may be spending more time on a waitlist than you’d like. Or you may not be able to access services at all in your area.
What is the Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in the NDIS?
An NDIS plan will almost always include funding for therapy under its Capacity Building section. This NDIS funding is used to help a Participant reach their goals. Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are 2 of the most common NDIS supports funded.
Assistive Technology - How do I get what I need?
Your need for assessments is identified at the start of your NDIS journey. These assessments are completed by allied health professionals, therapists or AT assessors to understand your support needs and provide recommendations.
What is the NDIS Key Worker role in disability?
A keyworker can be an allied health professional (therapist) who has specialist skills in working with children in an early intervention capacity. You could choose a Occupational Therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the MyCareSpace Directory
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